Chair's Message

Welcome to the Department of Health Information Management at Texas State University. The Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management (BSHIM) leads to the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) certification and prepares one for jobs in a variety of healthcare settings and positions. Health Information Management (HIM) is a field that combines an interest in healthcare with technology and management and is predicted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to be one of the fastest growing occupations with competitive salaries and varied employment opportunities.

What is Health Information Management? HIM professionals play a critical role in maintaining, collecting and analyzing the data that doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers rely on to deliver quality healthcare. They are experts in managing patient health information and medical records, administering computer information systems, and coding the diagnosis and procedures for healthcare services provided to patients. HIM professionals work in a multitude of settings throughout the healthcare industry including hospitals, physician offices and clinics, long-term care facilities, insurance companies, government agencies and home care providers.

The HIM Department at Texas State strives to maintain a curriculum that will prepare the graduate both for the existing HIM roles and additional skills needed for emerging roles as technology and regulations change. The professional phase of the HIM curriculum is taught in two formats – the traditional campus-based program and a web-based program. The BSHIM degree is designed to be completed in a 2 + 2 format, two years of core general education and other prerequisite coursework and two years of coursework to include professional practice experience assignments in healthcare facilities throughout the state. HIM courses are taught by faculty with a wealth of professional experience to share in the classroom.

In the fall of 2015, the department implemented an online Master of Health Information Management (MHIM) degree program. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM). The department graduated its first group of MHIM students in May 2017 and continues to draw quality students seeking further education for more advanced roles.

It is an exciting time in the health information management profession. We are proud of our dynamic curriculum and the accomplishments of our faculty, students, and graduates. Explore our website to learn more about these and contact me if you have additional questions.